Barrister Tamfu Richard, a renowned legal practitioner and staunch defender of human rights, has been awarded the Impact Continental Icon Award in the category of Law and Human Rights at the Forty under 40 Africa Awards 2025 in Cairo, Egypt on February 22, 2025.
Born in Ngarum village in Ndu Subdivision of the Donga Mantung Division of the North West Region, Barrister Tamfu has dedicated much of his career to defending marginalized communities, particularly in the Anglophone regions of Cameroon. He has been involved in various legal actions and provided legal assistance to individuals facing injustice. His work includes advocating for policy changes, offering legal representation, and working with international organizations to address human rights violations. Upon receiving the award, Barrister Tamfu thanked his supporters, particularly the team at TAMFU & Co. LAW FIRM, the Cameroon Bar Association, his family, and the Anglophone community in Cameroon.
He highlighted their continued support in his legal journey: “This award is for the incredible team at TAMFU & Co. LAW FIRM, the Cameroon Bar Association, my family, my friends, and most importantly, the marginalized Anglophone community whose rights I have been defending since the onset of the conflict in 2016.” The Forty Under 40 Africa Awards recognizes young leaders who have made a significant impact in various sectors. Barrister Tamfu’s recognition further highlights his role as a key figure in human rights advocacy across the continent. During the award ceremony, Barrister Tamfu was accompanied by Fabrice Lena, a political figure recognized in the 2023 edition of the awards in Sandton, South Africa. Their participation in the event underscores the growing influence of young leaders in both legal and political spheres in Cameroon.
As Cameroon approaches upcoming elections, Barrister Tamfu’s recognition serves as an indicator of the increased involvement of young English-speaking legal and political figures in the country’s governance. His contributions to human rights and law are seen as pivotal to the ongoing efforts for inclusion and justice in Cameroon’s political landscape.
